Sometimes you can get a little tired of the same old ‘boy meets girl’ stories. Luckily, the next time you feel like watching something exciting, you could choose from one of the many amazing LGBTQ+ teen movies that have been made over the years.
LGBTQ+ representation in media has come a long way, and one genre that has seen significant growth in recent years is LGBT teen movies. These films offer a powerful and authentic portrayal of the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ teenagers as they navigate their identities, relationships, and societal expectations.
From heartwarming coming-of-age stories to poignant dramas, LGBT teen movies have become an important avenue for queer youth to see themselves represented onscreen and for audiences to gain empathy and understanding.
This article will explore some of the best LGBTQ+ teen movies that have captivated audiences with their engaging storytelling, diverse characters, and powerful messages of love, self-acceptance, and resilience. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or simply appreciate compelling cinema, these films are sure to leave a lasting impact and inspire conversations about inclusivity, equality, and the power of representation in media.
So, get some popcorn, a glass of wine and a blanket, and snuggle in to watch! We can’t promise all happy endings, but we can promise a rich and varied range of LGBT teen movies.
In this article we will cover...
- Booksmart (2019)
- The Curiosity Of Chance (2006)
- Call Me by Your Name (2017)
- Closet Monster (2015)
- Love, Simon (2018)
- The Edge Of Seventeen (2017)
- Show Me Love (1998)
- Lost And Delirious (2001)
- But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)
- Handsome Devil (2016)
- The Half of It (2020)
- Geography Club (2013)
- Moonlight (2016)
- G.B.F. (2013)
- Pariah (2011)
- The Way He Looks [Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho] (2014)
- The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love (1995)
- Beach Rats (2017)
- Summer of 85 [Été 85] (2020)
- Being 17 [Quand on a 17 ans] (2016)
- Maurice (1987)
Booksmart (2019)
Booksmart, directed by Olivia Wilde, is a refreshing and vibrant coming-of-age comedy that brings a unique perspective to the genre. Wilde, known for her acting career, makes an impressive directorial debut with this film, showcasing her keen eye for storytelling and capturing the essence of teenage life with authenticity and humor.
The film stars Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein as Amy and Molly, two high-achieving best friends who realize on the eve of their high school graduation that they have missed out on the fun and wild experiences of high school. Determined to make up for lost time, they embark on an epic adventure to attend a wild party, encountering a series of hilarious and unexpected misadventures along the way.
What sets Booksmart apart is its fresh and diverse representation of characters. The film features an openly lesbian protagonist, Amy, whose journey of self-discovery and acceptance is portrayed with sensitivity and realism. The LGBTQ+ representation in the film is empowering and heartwarming, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and acceptance.
The film stands out for its sharp writing, energetic direction, and relatable characters. It tackles important themes such as friendship, self-discovery, and the complexities of growing up in a fun and refreshing way. It’s a film that celebrates the power of female friendship and embraces diversity, including LGBTQ+ representation, in a way that feels authentic and progressive.
Booksmart is a must-watch film that is both hilarious and heartwarming. With its outstanding performances, engaging story, and meaningful representation, it is a standout coming-of-age comedy that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds. It’s a celebration of youth, friendship, and inclusivity that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and socially relevant comedy.
The Curiosity Of Chance (2006)
The Curiosity of Chance, by Russell P. Marleau, takes place in Europe in the 1980s. It tells the story of Chance Marquis (Tad Hilgenbrink) a flamboyant gay teenager who has just been transferred to a new school, where he is soon met by the hatred and bigotry of homophobic students.
Yet not everything is bad: through the school newspaper he meets an introverted photographer and an aggressive tennis player who will become his friends. What’s more, Chance also meets his neighbor, a boy obsessed with sports, who will want to be his friend and perhaps something more, if he can overcome societal pressures. The film sees Chance meeting a group of drag queens who will encourage him to participate in a beginner’s show, but trouble arises when a photo of his performance is distributed throughout the school, causing Chance to become a laughing stock. It will be then that the young man will have to make a decision and face his fears in order to accept himself.
The movie wouldn’t be the same without the brilliant performance by Tad Hilgenbrink, who knocks it out of the park with his performance as Chance. The character, while eccentric, will manage to get through to the most closed of watchers with his honesty and charm. It’s a shame that this little movie hasn’t had much attention from the general public, since it’s one of the best LGBT teen movies ever. A perfect watch for any young man having to deal with the challenge of coming out of the closet.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Call Me by Your Name is a breathtaking and poignant coming-of-age drama directed by Luca Guadagnino, a renowned Italian filmmaker known for his visually stunning and emotionally resonant films. Guadagnino has a reputation for his masterful storytelling and unique ability to capture the nuances of human emotions, which is evident in this film and in his other works, such as I Am Love and A Bigger Splash.
The film features a stellar cast, with standout performances by Timothée Chalamet and Armie Hammer in the lead roles. Chalamet delivers a mesmerizing performance as Elio, a 17-year-old boy who falls in love with Oliver, played by Hammer, a 24-year-old graduate student who visits Elio’s family’s Italian villa for the summer. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, capturing the intensity and vulnerability of first love in a deeply moving way.
One of the aspects that makes Call Me by Your Name so special is its authentic and sensitive portrayal of a same-sex relationship. The film portrays Elio and Oliver’s love story with tenderness and without sensationalism, and it beautifully captures the nuances of their emotions, struggles, and desires. It’s a landmark film in its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships on screen, and it has been widely praised for its representation and inclusivity.
Call Me by Your Name is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant, and beautifully acted film that explores the complexities of first love and sexual awakening. Guadagnino’s direction, along with the outstanding performances by Chalamet and Hammer, brings Aciman’s novel to life in an evocative and heart-wrenching way.
The film’s LGBTQ+ representation is groundbreaking and adds to its significance in cinema history. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates heartfelt storytelling and exquisite filmmaking.